Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers Signs Pro-LGBTQ Executive Order

Evers’s order will provide nondiscrimination protections on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On his first day in office, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers signed an executive order which prohibits discrimination against LGBTQ people in state employment and state contracting. Gov. Evers is the fourth governor to issue an executive order protecting LGBTQ people in the last three weeks – following outgoing GOP Governors John Kasich (OH) and Rick Snyder (MI), and new Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer.

“The momentum for LGBTQ nondiscrimination is undeniable,” said Masen Davis, CEO of Freedom for All Americans. “In just the last few weeks, lawmakers from both parties have affirmed the importance of treating LGBTQ people fairly and equally. Governor Evers’s executive order is an important step toward ensuring that hardworking LGBTQ people in Wisconsin are judged solely on their job performance on not based on who they are or who they love. We applaud Fair Wisconsin on this victory and we are excited to continue working with our allies across the country to ensure all LGBTQ Americans are fully protected from discrimination.”

Wisconsin state law provides nondiscrimination protections on the basis of sexual orientation in employment, housing, and public spaces; though it is one of 31 states nationwide that lacks explicit and comprehensive protections on the basis of gender identity or expression. The string of recent executive orders comes as state legislatures across the country return to session – with some poised to advance nondiscrimination legislation.

“Discrimination can and does impact so many LGBTQ people every day,” added Davis. “We’re not wasting any time moving the ball forward in 2019 – we believe that these executive orders from governors of both parties demonstrate the urgent need to pass enduring and comprehensive protections through state legislatures. As the new House of Representatives prioritizes a federal nondiscrimination bill, our victories in the states are incredibly important to ensuring lawmakers recognize the deep support that exists for treating all LGBTQ Americans with dignity and respect.”

While executive orders bring relief to those they cover – often LGBTQ state employees or employees of state contractors – discrimination in the workplace, in housing, and in public spaces continues to affect LGBTQ people nationwide. Visit the new Faces of Freedom storytelling hub to learn about how discrimination impacts real people each and every day. The new website features more than 350 stories from nearly every state.

Freedom for All Americans is the bipartisan campaign to secure full nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people nationwide. The work brings together Republicans and Democrats, businesses large and small, people of faith, and allies from all walks of life to make the case for comprehensive nondiscrimination protections that ensure everyone is treated fairly and equally.